Tayo, Cassandra
March 3, 2009
Period 4/5
English

Becky Essay

The story written by James Berry is entitled “Becky and the Wheels-and-Brake Boys.” This is a story about a young girl named Becky who wants to have a bike, but her mother cannot afford one and she thinks that a Becky might turn out to be a tomboy. Becky is a credible character because of how she acts, of how she feels, and what she says.

The first reason why I think that Becky is credible is that she begs her mom for what she wants. As Becky says, “Over and over I told my mum I wanted a bike.” She really wants a bike more than anything, so she pleads to her mom. This proves that Becky is a realistic character because a lot of kids bug their parents to get what they want.

Secondly, Becky is a believable character because she fought with her friend and got angry with her. Becky thinks to herself, “For the first time, Shrinette and me had a real fight, because of what I hated the most.” She was mad at her best friend because Shrinette let a cockroach fly down Becky’s blouse. She is a credible character because in the real world, friends frequently fight with each other.

Furthermore, Becky is a probable character because she asks for help to learn a new skill. Becky asks the Wheel-and-Brake Boys, “Can somebody teach me to ride?” Becky doesn’t have a bike because in her neighborhood, girls aren’t encouraged to ride them. She wants to be a part of the group, so she asks them to teach her a new skill. This makes Becky a realistic character because she stands up for what she wants just like any kid would.

In conclusion, Becky’s actions, her emotions, and words prove that she is a credible character. You might know someone like Becky that’s in your neighborhood. Or it could be you!



Eleven Essay: Rachel

The story, “Eleven” was written by Sandra Cisneros. It is about a girl named Rachel who feels that she is not quite eleven yet. She believes that there are younger ages inside of her. There are three different examples of why I think Rachel is more credible than Mrs. Price.

The first thing that makes Rachel credible is that there are younger ages inside of her. The reason why I think that makes her credible is that sometimes, when it’s your birthday, you don’t exactly feel that age. It takes time to get used to how old you really are. But during the process of that, your younger characteristics sometimes take over and that makes you feel that you are still a little kid. An example of this is (which is in 1st person), Because the way you grow old is kind of like an onion or like the rings inside a tree trunk or like my little wooden dolls that fit one inside the other, each year inside the next one. That’s how being eleven years old is. Just to add, I am making a connection with this example because on the day of my birthday, I still feel like I’m ten.
The second thing that makes Rachel a credible character is she denies that the red sweater that smells like cottage cheese is hers, which it isn’t. I think this makes her a believable character because some kids can have someone say that this is yours and you have to keep it. But it’s not really theirs. From my experience, when I was in 2nd grade, my teacher found a sweater in the backpack closet that was black, dirty, and very smelly. She was exactly like Mrs. Price and said to my classmate Chris that it was his and he should keep it with him. I didn’t even fit on him and through out the day, he smelled like a rotten onion. This happens to a lot of kids and based on that experience, that is what makes her so credible. A quote that relates to this topic is, Maybe because I’m skinny, maybe because she doesn’t like me, that stupid Felice Garcia says, “I think it belongs to Rachel.” An ugly sweater like that, all raggedy and old, but Mrs. Price believes her. I can feel what she is feeling. Especially when I saw it before with my own eyes.
The last thing that makes Rachel a believable character in this story is that she gets very upset and calls her classmate stupid. This makes her credible because having something that isn’t yours and when someone finally says, “That is actually mine” you would feel very angry because you had to keep something that is very smelly like what Rachel had to do and the teacher doesn’t even apologize for his or her mistake. A quote that relates to this topic is, But the worst part is right before the bells rings for lunch. That stupid Phyllis Lopez, who is even dumber than Felice Garcia, says she remembers the red sweater is hers! I take it off right away and give it to her, only Mrs. Price pretends like everything is okay.
To conclude this essay, Rachel is a believable character because these things can happen to other kids in school. The things that make her credible is that she believes that there are younger ages inside of her, she denies that the red sweater is hers, and finally she gets mad and calls her classmate stupid. All those things happen in real life and we can be angry about it.


Cassandra's Dog Letter


Dear Mom,

I have shown many responsibilities lately and I believe that I am old enough to have a dog. I know it might not have been a good time to ask for one, since we are in a money situation but I think that a dog would be good to comfort us. Another reason why we should I think a dog would support our lifestyle is that it could become a great help with chores. The next reason why a dog would be the best in our house is that we could care less about protection if the dog could guard our house. The last reason why I think that we should have a dog because in a recent study, 65% of people how have dogs are less likely to be robbed. I hope soon once I explain everything, you will be completely convinced.
I have four main reasons why I want a dog and how it would be useful to us. The first reason why a dog would be helpful around the house is that it could help me with my chores. Our house needs cleaning most of the time and a dog would be a great duster. If you let me get a dog, I will make sure it is a dog that has manners and knows how to help around the house. The next reason why I need a dog is that we could care less about house protection because we could have a dog that is strong and is capable of protecting our home. Another reason why a dog is great for us is that it could relax us and give us a lot of comfort. Dogs are usually a good friend of mankind and all of us could get along pretty well. The last reason why we should keep a dog is that 65% of people are less likely to be robbed. Dogs that have a great responsibility for their owners can be one of the best protection towards our house, instead of those pricy home protectors that supposedly “Give our home the ultimate coverage”. Yeah right. This is why I believe that a dog would be a wonderful part of our life.
I know you have a few concerns into having a dog. I know dogs are a big responsibility but now I am quite responsible. I always finish homework, I do all my chores, and I always do as I told. The next concern that I know you have is that you are allergic to dog fur. I completely understand that part but we can adopt a dog that is hypoallergenic so you won’t sneeze so much when you’re around the dog. Another thing that you might be concerned about is that the dog will smell. I can always clean it up when it does its business. You know much of a clean freak I can be, so that wouldn’t be problem. The last concern I know you will have is that there will be a bunch of vet bills that you will have to pay. Well, Mrs. Zana just told us that there is a very nice and cheap vet in Glendale and we could be one of their patients. I hope that those are all the concerns that you have you have been completely convinced.
To conclude this terribly long letter, I would like to say, now that I am 11, I am a very responsible person now. Unlike the times I was younger, I am completely capable of many more things. Adopting a dog would be a great companion when we are down, a great guard, and a wonderful help around the house. Dogs are also capable of many more things. This dog could change our lives and could make it easier. A dog is what we need. We could use some extra help here. A dog is the best answer.